University Centre Somerset Receives TEF Silver Award in First Year

University Centre Somerset, the higher education arm of Bridgwater & Taunton College, received a Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Silver Award for delivering high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for its students.

 

The TEF was introduced by the government to encourage higher education providers to work with their students to pursue excellence in teaching and learning outcomes, and the awards are decided by an independent panel of experts including students and academics.

Key metrics for the award include student satisfaction, retention and employment after graduation. When judging University Centre Somerset’s submission the panel were particularly impressed by the following:

• An institutional culture that facilitates, recognises and rewards excellent teaching by providing extensive CPD opportunities for staff.
• Excellent physical and digital resources for students, including our own farm and investment in specialist equipment and buildings to enhance student learning.
• Employability skills embedded in the curriculum to ensure students are work-ready when they graduate.

Andy Berry, Principal of Bridgwater & Taunton College, commented: “Receiving a TEF Silver Award is testimony to all the hard work of our dedicated staff to deliver on our promise to University Centre Somerset students – that they come first and delivering quality outcomes for them is our priority. That’s what all our courses offer.”

University Centre Somerset delivers more than 60 degree-level courses, across a diverse curriculum, in partnership with University of West of England (UWE), Oxford Brookes University, the University of Plymouth, and The Open University, ensuring that programmes are robust and of good quality.